Prevalence of Strongylus vulgaris and Parascaris equorum in Kentucky thoroughbreds at necropsy.

The study investigates the prevalence of the parasites Strongylus vulgaris and Parascaris equorum in Thoroughbred horses in Kentucky, specifically examining the remains of 49 horses from farms with strong parasite control measures already in place.

Methodology

• The research was carried out through necropsy of 49 Thoroughbred horses sourced from farms in Kentucky reputed for their good parasite control programs. Necropsy refers to a post-mortem examination performed on animals to determine cause of death or study disease processes.
• The horses were examined specifically for the presence of the parasitic worms Strongylus vulgaris and Parascaris equorum. It is important to note that all the horses died of causes unrelated to internal parasite infections.
• The detection of Strongylus vulgaris, also known as the large strongyle or bloodworm, involved examining the arterial system of the horses. The small intestine of 21 horses were also examined for the presence of Parascaris equorum, also known as ascarid, a common parasitic roundworm found in horses.

Results

• Results revealed that 19 of the horses (which accounts for 39%) had specimens of Strongylus vulgaris, and 24 horses (equivalent to 49%) presented lesions related to the migrating stages of this parasite.
• Furthermore, Parascaris equorum was detected in 9 out of the 21 horses examined for it, representing 43% of the subset.
• Interestingly, despite the proven existence of these parasites, the post-mortem evaluations held that none of the horses’ deaths resulted from these internal parasite infections.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the study demonstrated that both Strongylus vulgaris and Parascaris equorum can persist on horse farms even with robust parasite control programs in place.
• The parasites were found in relatively low numbers, indicating that their presence constituted more of a persistent infestation rather than a massive, lethal outbreak.
• This research suggests that current parasite management and control methods might need revision and improvement to become more effective at eradicating these resilient parasites.